Editor's introduction

Adolescent Psychiatry,  2002  by Flaherty, Lois T

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Sherman Feinstein, Peter Giovacchini, and Derek Miller wrote in their preface to Volume 1 of Adolescent Psychiatry that they hoped Volume I would be the first in a series they envisioned as providing "a forum for the expression of ideas and problems that plague and excite so many of us working in this enigmatic but fascinating field." They could not know that the publication they founded would become the repository for much of what is known about adolescent psychiatry.

Adolescent Psychiatry has passed its 25th volume, but it continues to reflect the excitement of a still young field. We have learned a lot since Volume 1 was published, but there are still many enigmas. (This is a good thing for an editor, as it means there is still much to be written about.) It has been a pleasure to work with the authors of Volume 26. They have brought a passion and devotion to their subjects, and their oeuvre reflects the continuing enthusiasm of all who choose to understand and work with adolescents.

Many of the papers in this volume were presented at the 2000 annual meeting of the American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry (ASAP). The theme of the meeting, "Keeping Our Balance: The Challenge of Maintaining Human Connections in a Biological Century," is reflected in this volume. The Schonfeld address by Philip Katz focuses on the human encounter between therapist and patient; the keynote address by Vivian Rakoff emphasizes the continuing identity of the healer throughout history as a counterweight to the fads of the moment. Papers on adolescent development challenge us to look beyond preconceived ideas. Four papers on interventions with special groups of high-risk adolescents provide new insight into their problems and needs. A special section on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorders includes a debate on whether conduct disorder is a valid diagnosis. The last section addresses important social issues relevant to adolescent psychiatry-the juvenile death penalty and gays in the military. This section includes the amici curiae brief submitted by ASAP in the landmark Supreme Court case of Thompson v. Oklahoma.

I have been privileged to work with some of the previous editors-- Sherman Feinstein, Richard Marohn, and, most recently, Aaron Esman-each of whom brought a standard of excellence and a clear sense of what the Adolescent Psychiatry series should be. Their seminal writings have taught me much about what it means to be an adolescent psychiatrist. This is my debut as Editor. It is easy to feel unworthy of upholding the tradition of this distinguished series, but the support of the Editorial Board and of the ASAP leadership has gone a long way toward convincing me that I am up to the task. I am grateful to the American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry for entrusting to me this important mission.

LOIS T. FLAHERTY, M.D. Editor of Adolescent Psychiatry, is Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, and Consultant to the Center for School Mental Health Assistance at the University of Maryland.

Copyright Analytic Press 2002
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